Medinilla

East India, Sri Lanka, the islands of the Malay Archipelago, tropical Africa

Ease of cultivation

For an experienced florist

The size

From 60 cm to 1.2 m.

Growth rate

Average

Lifespan

A perennial, however rather whimsical plant.

Temperature

In summer: best 68-77 ° F;in winter it is below 60,8 ° F.

Humidity

Very high humidity is required – at least 70%.It is best to use an air humidifier or spray the plant several times a day.Otherwise, it may not bloom.

Lighting

Bright diffused light is required make shade from direct sunlight.In winter it is desirable to provide the most bright lighting.

The soil

2 parts of deciduous land, 2 parts humus, 1 part peat, 1 part sand.

Watering

During the bookmarking of flower buds and flowering, watering should be frequent – about every 3 days.After flowering, not more than once a week.Between watering at this time the soil should dry out, and leaves little to lose turgor

Fertilizer

From April to October every 2 weeks with liquid fertilizer.

Reproduction

Propagation by semi-adhered cuttings in January-May at a temperature of 77-86 ° F, the cuttings should have 2-3 interstices: they are rooted in sand or peat at a constant temperature and humidity.Rooting is difficult enough for about a month.As the rooted cuttings grow, it is necessary to hold 1 pinch.Can be propagated by seeds.They are sown in February-March in a mixture of peat and sand and kept in a warm place.Seeds should be fresh.

Bloom

Bright pink flowers collected in large drooping brushes.Blooms from April to July.

Transfer

Young plants are transplanted annually, adults – every 2-3 years.Spring transplant should be combined with pruning of overgrown plants.With a strong pruning of old plants, they can be transplanted into smaller pots.

Features of care

Very high humidity and heat is required.It is good to grow in a terrarium.Very important for the plant is the rest period in November – February.At this time, a lower temperature is required to fill the flower buds.Otherwise, in summer the plant will give new shoots, but it will not bloom.Immediately after flowering, the shoots on which there were flowers should be severely cut off.Then shorten the watering.

Difficulties

On the plant often appear red spider mites and mealybugs.Leaves dry in winter at low temperature and excess moisture, and in summer, if too hot and dry.Light spots on the leaves appear from excess light.From a draft or if you move and often turn the pot, the plant may have buds and flowers blooming.Flowering usually does not occur if the winter was not provided with a rest period.